Devers, Moncada: A study in contrasts

When the White Sox talk about Yoan Moncada, they outline what a big-league transition should be like for an infielder fresh into his 20s.

Tim Britton, Providence Journal

BOSTON – When the White Sox talk about Yoan Moncada, they outline what a big-league transition should be like for an infielder fresh into his 20s.

Manager Rick Renteria mentioned continued development and an increase in consistency. First baseman Jose Abreu called this a process for Moncada.

This is how it usually happens for a young player, regardless of how highly touted he was entering the majors.

So how do you explain Rafael Devers?

On the night Moncada made his first trip to Fenway Park as a visiting player, Devers was hitting fifth in the Red Sox order, an elevation he’s deserved with a startling first week in the major leagues. The 20-year-old was 12 for 28 with four extra-base hits. In his first at-bat Thursday night, he hit a two-run homer.

As Devers continues to climb up the Boston batting order, Moncada remains a reminder that this isn’t supposed to be this easy.

After all, when these two were teammates 14 months ago with High-A Salem, Moncada was the one lighting the league on fire while Devers struggled to find his swing. Moncada was the one targeted for a late-season promotion in case of need – one the Red Sox gave him in September, when they swiftly named him their everyday third baseman and just as swiftly reneged that role when he struggled.

Moncada struck out in nine consecutive at-bats at one point. He didn’t play after Sept. 12, eventually being sent home before the end of the regular season.

For a franchise that had successfully integrated Xander Bogaerts and Andrew Benintendi into pennant races over the last few years, Moncada’s rough introduction to the majors was a lesson that even the most highly touted prospects can initially struggle in the majors. Even Mike Trout hit .220 in his first 40-game cameo in the majors in 2011.

“No two situations are alike,” manager John Farrell said Thursday. “Raffy has come in and shown us a very flat swing, the ability to address many different areas in the strike zone. Maybe that has him at this comparative stage a little bit more equipped.”

Moncada himself wondered Thursday whether he was fully prepared for the majors when he received the call-up last September.

“Last year, I wasn’t expecting to play in the majors. When they called me up, I was happy because of course, that’s what every ballplayer wants,” Moncada said through interpreter Billy Russo. “But I think I wasn’t ready.”

Asked to elaborate on his readiness a year ago, Moncada clarified himself.

“It’s not that I wasn’t ready. It’s like it was too fast for me,” he said. “The things that didn’t go well at that time made it a bigger issue.”

Moncada’s hitting cleanup on Thursday night, though Chicago’s depleted lineup has something to do with that. Moncada has just four hits in 38 at-bats so far this season for the White Sox.

He smiled when asked about Devers.

“I feel happy for him because I know that he’s a very good player. I really believe he’s going to have a very long career in the majors,” he said. “I’m just happy for him to have that experience.”

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